Monday Debrief
Skincare: Foreo Luna
I promised I’d circle back and let you know how I liked this new Foreo Luna Mini 2 cleansing device. (Purchased the set on the first day of Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Early Access.) I’ve been using it for the last couple of weeks. Short version: two thumbs up! I’ve been a committed Clarisonic user for years, but last year my dermatologist warned me that they’d been seeing broken capillaries and other skin damage from a too-aggressive use of the Clarisonic (and other brush-type devices). After that I made sure to stick to the sensitive skin brushes, and had gone from daily to twice-weekly use.
The LUNA definitely feels much gentler than the Clarisonic, and I like that the silicone surface is more resistant to bacteria. My skin feels just as clean after use, and less irritated. And I love that it’s more compact and lightweight than the Clarisonic (especially the small “LUNA Play” included in the set which should be great for travel). It also holds a charge longer.
I was a bit confused at first when the vibrations would periodically pause, but then learned they’ll do that every 15 seconds to remind you to switch areas. And a triple pause reminds you to stop after the recommended minute of use.
If You Only Watch One Thing This Week…
I’d seen a short clip of “Hannah Gadsby: Nanette” a couple of weeks ago and had added it to my watch list. We watched it over the weekend and I found it funny, relevant, thought-provoking, and heartbreaking all at once. And I really enjoyed the Art History bits too. (She majored in Art History in college.) I think she’s really brilliant.
Food Find
Jeune Homme stayed with us over the weekend and we had a really nice visit. He’s been doing SO much better since switching to a gluten-free diet. But so many of his favorite foods are now off-limits, it’s made coming up with meals more challenging. I was thrilled to find this gluten-free Mac and Cheese mix, which I can keep handy and whip up on short notice. Even more thrilled that JH loves it.
Now, we just have to figure out what to do for a birthday cake for him in a couple of weeks…
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I saw Hannah Gadsby’s “Nanette” a few weeks ago and was bowled over. What a powerful tour de force!
Flourless chocolate cake with chocolate ganache frosting and a lot of whipped cream is a great gluten free alternative. We have two gluten sensitive people in work, so it’s become a go to. Glad to hear your son is doing better!
Annie May’s Sweet Cafe in Louisville KY will ship a gluten-free cake anywhere!
https://www.davidlebovitz.com/shf-27-chocolat-1/
It’s so good….
Sinners and Saints is on Lincoln Blvd near Washington – fantastic GF cakes. Many flavors. My grandkids love that Mac and Cheese.
Elana Amsterdam has a tidy, to-the-point cookbook with gluten free desserts–check out the nice cake on the cover: The Gluten Free Almond Flour Cookbook. On Amazon. She also has a blog with many recipes available: elanaspantry.com. She is a thoughtful, meticulous contributor to the gluten free wellness space. She needs gluten free food, but wanted yummy treats for the kids too. Maria Emmerich is another name to check out on Amazon. She has an entire book on GF desserts.
I have found that Williams Sonoma gluten free flour–Cup 4 Cup–is a great alternative to many recipes. As a celiac it is hard to find things that taste the same, but this one is great!
Pinterest has many gluten free cake recipes. Gluten free flour “Bob’s Red Mill” is available at most Safeway’s and Albertsons.
Pavlova can be made gluten free and might be a nice birthday cake choice…
Thanks for the feedback on the Luna and the TV show recommendation.
Suz from Vancouver
I just started going gluten-free. In what way is your son doing better?
Much less digestive upset, much better moods and clearer skin.
Re: birthday cake: You’re in luck as you live in L.A. and gluten-free bakers are pretty easy to find. I recommend Sweet Laurel bakery. They serve her gluten-free layer cakes at Chez Tex on Main Street in Venice and they are delicious.
We also viewed Nanette on the weekend, and I commented on it my blogpost this morning. So much of what she said resonated so powerfully with my reservations about comedy’s politics and strategies — not all comedy, but too much. . .
My Mom is gluten free and I’ve been making her her favorite almond cake using the King Arthur Gluten Free flour substitute. What I like about it is that they have all the things gluten free things need to rise already in them (xantham gum, etc.) and the cakes turn out great – not at all grainy – which is another issue with gluten free baked goods. They have a yellow cake mix that is also terrific and is very easy – just add eggs and water. Happy Birthday to JH!
I agree I switched from Clarisonic to Foreo and I much prefer it. The clarisonic was to abraisive